BRITISH drivers in Europe could be hit with heavy speeding fines under a harsh new EU diktat, experts have warned.

The regulations, introduced this May, mean Britons caught breaking the speed limit in European Union countries could face a fine of up to £640.

However, a shock new survey has found 81 per cent of UK drivers are unaware of the recently amended European speeding laws.

And more than a third of those polled – 38 per cent – admitted their knowledge of speed limits on the continent is not up to scratch.

Following the research findings, motorists have been urged to get grips with EU road regulations to avoid potential accidents.

Simon Henrick of breakdown provider Green Flag said: "Driving over the speed limit inevitably increases the likelihood of an accident.

"So it's important for people to drive carefully on the road – whether at home or on the continent.

"To avoid breaking the law and subsequently being met with a hefty fine, it's important that drivers research the local road regulations and get up to speed on their metric measures before driving abroad."